EU governments push forward child-protection scanning rules, keeping voluntary monitoring alive and igniting major privacy concerns
European Union governments have agreed to advance the long-debated “Chat Control” child sexual abuse regulation, clearing the way for final negotiations with the European Parliament. The move marks a major turning point in Europe’s digital-policy landscape, as officials seek new tools to combat online child exploitation while critics warn of an unprecedented erosion of private communication.
EU Chat Control Legislation Moves Forward
Representatives of EU member states backed a revised proposal that maintains the overarching framework to detect child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Platforms will still be required to assess risks, design mitigation measures, and cooperate with a new EU Centre on Child Sexual Abuse.
While lawmakers removed the earlier plan for mandatory scanning of all private messages, the latest draft extends the legal basis for “voluntary detection” indefinitely, raising alarms among digital-rights experts.
Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard supported the agreement, stating that “millions of abusive files are shared each year, and action is necessary to protect children.”
A Controversial Compromise
Negotiators dropped the demand that encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Signal must automatically scan user messages. This was the most contentious element of the earlier proposal.
However, privacy advocates argue the compromise still paves the way for broad monitoring powers.
A recent briefing from privacy groups warns that risk-assessment obligations may pressure companies into proactive detection, even without a legal mandate.
The proposal also left law-enforcement officials frustrated. They argue that fully encrypted platforms remain a blind spot for detecting dangerous content.
Experts Voice Strong Reactions
Rob Roos, a former Dutch lawmaker, criticized the Council’s decision, warning that the EU is “stripping millions of citizens of their right to privacy”.
Telegram’s CEO also raised concerns, noting that EU officials themselves are reportedly exempt from scanning.
The EU push arrives as governments worldwide target encryption and privacy tools. Parallel cases against crypto-mixing services and privacy-focused messaging apps highlight a growing regulatory trend.
Technology figures like Vitalik Buterin argue the opposite direction, emphasizing the need to preserve private digital communication, calling it essential for a secure online society.
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